James Martin: I finally have my life back

James Martin claimed he finally feels like he has his life back after quitting BBC show 'Saturday Kitchen' after 10 years

James Martin feels like he's got his "life back" after quitting 'Saturday Kitchen'.

The 44-year-old chef stunned viewers when he quit the popular show after 10 years on screen, but James knows he made the right decision as he is enjoying so much more quality time with his partner Louise Davies and their three dogs.

He said: "Now I'm not working Saturday mornings, I feel like I've got my life back.

"I can train the dogs, light the fire in the lounge and watch TV.

"Louise and I went shopping the other day and I said, 'This is the first time we've done this in four years.'

"I used to spend Friday nights in London preparing to be on telly the next day.

"Now I can sit with Louise and the dogs and just veg out."

James knew it was time to quit the show when his friends started warning him his hectic schedule was taking its toll on his appearance.

Speaking to Woman magazine, James said: "Before I quit, I was working non-stop and my mates said, 'You look like trash, you've got to stop.'

"Between 2014 and 2015, I had 10 days off in two years. It was all work, work, work.

"On screen, I looked like I'd been out getting drunk the night before but I was genuinely knackered. It made me think, 'I need to change my life.' "

And the final wake-up call for the star came when James saw someone die.

He explained: "I also saw a man die in front of me, he was my age and did a similar job. It shocked the hell out of me and I just thought, 'I've done this for 10 years, I need a change.'

"I remember Michael Parkinson and Terry Wogan came on the show and they said, 'Know when it's time to go.'"